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Optic cupping caused by an intracranial aneurysm
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1977
Summary
Intracranial aneurysms can cause optic nerve compression, leading to optic disk cupping that mimics glaucoma. Histopathology revealed axonal loss and glial column collapse, differentiating it from glaucoma-induced changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Optic disk cupping is a hallmark of glaucoma.
- Compression of the optic nerve can lead to visual field defects and optic nerve damage.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old woman presented with optic disk cupping due to an intracranial aneurysm compressing the optic nerve.
- Post-mortem examination revealed a vertically oval, superiorly elongated optic cup, visually similar to early glaucoma.
- Histopathological analysis showed no glial atrophy, distinguishing it from glaucoma.
Findings:
- The optic disk cupping was caused by the loss of axons in the prelaminar region of the optic nerve head.
- A collapse of glial columns contributed to the observed cupping.
Implications:
- This case highlights a non-glaucomatous cause of optic disk cupping.
- Understanding these distinct pathological mechanisms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of optic nerve compression.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering intracranial pathologies in cases of apparent glaucomatous optic neuropathy.